McCrory's office said secretaries in four of the eight Cabinet departments will receive $128,000 annually and three other departments are getting $135,000. An eighth secretary -- Aldona Wos (vosh) in health and human services -- is taking a $1 salary.
Legislators had set secretary salaries in Gov. Beverly Perdue's administration at just over $120,000 but last summer gave her successor the ability to set compensation. Departments were on their own to locate funds for the higher pay.

McCrory spokesman Chris Walker said Thursday the governor wanted modest pay increases to attract talent needed to run large departments.

The Legislature didn't change the governor's salary. It's still $139,590.